As we’ve recently seen in this race for consumer connectivity, nearly every brand is reimagining its approach to retail to better understand customers’ habits and to enhance their shopping experience. The need for a digital relationship between retailer and customer is among the top concerns for executives from the little guy to the stalwart department store.
Case in Point: PYMTS.com recently shed light on how farmers’ markets are relying on digital integration to keep customers happy. They cited Market Wagon, an online farmers’ market based in the Midwest that buys from local produce suppliers. It customizes the shopping experience and even delivers groceries to homes.
Customers have two options to pay – Stripe and Paypal. Customer satisfaction is critical to the success of this marketplace; vendors must accept Market Wagon’s return and refund policy. It’s unknown if Market Wagon is looking to expand, but the brand says its system can be replicated in other markets.
The biggest retailers are taking things to a whole new level. Retail Info Systems chronicled Nieman-Marcus’ new retail experience at New York’s Hudson Yards. The luxury location opened March 15th and features three floors of interactive terminals meant to deliver a digital experience that matches the upscale brands found in the store.
“This store recognizes our brand’s history and heritage while adapting to how the next generation of luxury customers shop. Neiman Marcus Hudson Yards will be all about providing physical and digital experiences in a way not seen at other stores, creating a personal customer experience that is seamless and magical,” said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO of Neiman Marcus Group.
Some of the technical enhancements include interactive dressing rooms in the store that let shoppers communicate with a sales associate through touchscreens. Pick up the wrong size? No problem; press a few buttons, and a sales associate brings you another outfit to try on.
Try a new lipstick or eyeliner and receive instant feedback that is emailed to you or shared to your social media. With Memory Makeover mirrors, customers can try on make-up and get tutorials as they select their shades.
Similar to the make-up mirrors, shoppers can also try out the Sunglass Memory Mirror. The technology allows shoppers to compare up to four pairs of sunglasses and get a side-by-side view in ultra hi-def video.
Want to know what’s on sale? You won’t have to go far without seeing the store’s sales. The retailer is using video screens to run promotions and specialized content. Once you’ve made your decisions, Mobile POS is available throughout the entire store.
One of the areas where this new experience excels – is connectivity that is designed to make shoppers feel good without spending a dime. Nieman Marcus has partnered with Rockbot audio services to allow customers to play DJ during their shopping experience. The app allows guests to modify the store’s music playlist like a digital jukebox.
Customers tell us they like working with Worldlink because of our flexibility and our client-first focus that sets us apart from other technology deployment businesses. If you’d like to have a conversation about your growing digital in-store footprint, we encourage you to connect with VP of Sales, Brett Busconi, by using the Calendly link in the right-hand corner.